Extract from back cover of book:
The past 25 years have seen an explosion of craftspeople who build guitars by hand, employing an attention to detail factories can't afford and using higher quality materials and more technical skill than in any previous era. Little wonder we are living in the greatest age of guitar building in history.
Through a detailed text and hundreds of spectacular color photographs, Robert Shaw showcases the beauty and artistry of contemporary acoustic and electric guitars built by hand. He features a host of the finest and most innovative artisans of the past 25 years and the remarkable variety of high- quality instruments they are making.
Start with a fascinating look at the history of modern guitar design and hand building that includes pioneers like James D'Aquisto, Michael Gurian, and Jean Larrivee. Then take a breathtaking photographic tour of more than 300 of today's most creative, innovative, and gorgeous guitars. Let Shaw himself describe the extensive, diverse collection of instruments he has assembled for this book: [there are] "elegant parlor guitars for quiet living room picking;. wildly shaped electric guitars for crashing rock and roll; tenor, baritone, and bass guitars; guitars with seven, eight, ten, twelve, or even more strings; guitars with metal bodies and inset resonators; guitars with hand-carved tops, two necks, or multiple or unconventionally shaped sound holes; guitars made specifically for Bluegrass, folk, blues, rock, and jazz musicians; European gypsy guitars; Spanish flamenco and classical guitars; and beyond." Needless to say, these pages are a feast for the eye, mind, and soul of anyone interested in:::! music, fine woodworking, and hand craftsmanship.
The instruments are presented in color photographs and accompanied by information about their specifications, plus personal statements and anecdotes from the artisans about their work and techniques. Rounding out the book is a Web directory and an index of luthiers.
Photos: Colour
Units of Measurement: Imperial & Metric
Contents
Introduction
Acoustic Guitars
Historic
Classical & Flamenco
Flattop
Harp
Acoustic Bass
Archtop & Other Jazz
Hawaiian & Resonator
Electric Guitars
Hollow & Solid Bodied Electrics
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Bibliography and Other Resources
Photographers Index
Web Directory and Index of Luthiers
